New England

Interview with Margaret Glaspy

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margaret glaspy

Singer/songwriter, Margaret Glaspy came to Boston three years ago on a grant from the National Foundation for the Advancement of Arts. Since then, she’s been rocking the folk scene, regularly headlining at Club Passim, who has just given her an Iguana Music Award. As she settles into a Tuesday night residency at the Lizard Lounge for April, Glaspy talked to the Deli about the Boston scene, finding her voice as a songwriter and the power of acoustic music.

DELI: You come from California?

Margaret Glaspy: Red Bluff. It’s this tiny little town in northern California, kind of conservative and…interesting (laughs). We were definitely the weird family.

DELI: How so?

MG: It was definitely a small town vibe, lots of cattle and county fairs and rodeos and stuff…not that all that stuff isn’t great but we were kind of on a different path.

Read the whole interview by Jason Rabin HERE

NYC

Best of NYC #63b: Light Asylum

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We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list here (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record sotre personnel and DJs). Many of the bands in this list will play The Deli’s Best of NYC Fest in Williamsburg in May (6 shows in 3 different venues between the 13 and the 15).

Since in 2010 the 80s are officially the new 70s, in the upcoming years we can expect a lot of artists influenced by the sound of the most controversial of decades. Light Asylum present themselves as the answer to the re-emergence of "New Romantics" – who were rather reserved, black wearing types who danced to electro-goth tunes served by the likes of early Ultravox, Depeche Mode and – dare we say – Nick Kershaw. The band’s sonic signature is so strongly grounded in the sound of the 80s that the word "revival" might seems appropriate here, although the Williamsburg duo’s eerie vocals steer away from the more commercial and familiar stereotypes of the genre, referring instead to its darker and deeply troubled fathers like Diamanda Galas, Dead Can Dance and Bauhaus. Don’t miss their intense live performances.

NYC

Deli CD of the Month: Mama Bear – CD release party at The Studio, 04.14

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So this review was supposed to be published on a sunny spring day, but it’s really gray out there. That might be a good thing nevertheless, because Mama Bear‘s "How We Go" is probably going to make some of you think of happy sunny days spent outdoors. Yeah, I know: it seems like every April all music reviewers MUST find their own album or song that perfectly incarnates the most enjoyable of seasons. Well we’ll embrace this habit fearlessly, and go ahead and say that Mama Bear is the perfect band to boost your appreciation of Spring 2010 – and that they stole our hearts. The band’s upbeat, folky tunes are catchy as hell, without lacking in intensity or intimacy, which makes them sound like a more fun and lighthearted version of 10,000 Maniacs. The simplicity and pop effectiveness of this band’s songs, the beauty of the melodies and Vivi’s outstanding voice and delivery might have the power to put an end to your SAD syndrome – for good. Don’t miss their record release party at The Studio at Webster on 04.14, AND… DOWNLOAD THE EP FOR FREE HERE NOW!

Austin

Poll Closing + Petals Have Tongues

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Smoke & Feathers and Headdress are trading punch for punch in our current all-psychedelic poll, created in anticipation of the third annual installment of Austin Psych Fest – happening at Mohawk April 23-25. Only two more days to vote…

Coming up sooner on the calendar is the Giant Steps/Versatile Syndicate shindig, featuring Maneja Beto, Red Leaves, Hotel Hotel, Petals (above), Prayer for Animals and more, this coming Saturday the 17th also at Mohawk. I am told there will be free beer from 9-10, and that the beer will be of the Lone Star variety. 

NYC

Yula Beeri (ex Nanuchka) CD release party: 04.23 at Santos

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We were big fans of the Nanuchka’s theatrical pop – but then they split up. The band’s Israeli lead singer and multi instrumentalist Yula Beeri is now going the solo way with an album that (apparently) was not only recorded but also written in just 24 hours – now that’s what we call being extremely productive! On her side ex Blue Man Isaac Gardner and a bunch of talented musicians that call themselves "the Extended Family". Yula’s histrionic qualities are once again confirmed in the breathtaking – almost ska – single Back Off America. The release party of the CD (entitled "Dark Side of The Bee") promises to be entertaining – don’t miss it: April 23 at Santos Party House.

L.A.

Best of LA #18: The Growlers

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If you have been scouring Craig’s List for a working time machine set for the 60s, halt your search.  The Growlers will remedy your need for 60s surf rock, with just a twinge of folk rock charm.  Together since 2006, Brooks Nielson, Scott Montoya, Matt Taylor and Brian Stewart strive to make music that rivals LSD in its mind altering capabilities.  Their latest album "Are You In Or Out" is chock full of songs so beachy they practically reek of Coppertone.  If this sounds appealing to you, go see them play with Dirt Dress at Madame Wong’s on April 23rd. 

Chicago

The Salts Part Ways

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Yes, The Salts have split up, but in their wake they leave three solid albums that you can now download for free. Each band member has other projects to focus on, Travis Lee Wiggins is still continuing to play and record with his solo project Essex Chanel, as well as with his other two current bands, The Personal FX and Dolphins Swimming. Mike Rice is starting a new band that you can visit here. Luke Krause has been playing drums for City at Large. It sad to see the band part ways, but it’s great to get some free music!

Philadelphia

Pilam in Jeopardy!?!

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Well, I just received some awful news yesterday for our indie music community. As some of you may or may not know, Pilam’s Human BBQ was shutdown early this Saturday by the cops. It was definitely a huge buzzkill for what was a fantastic day/evening! What’s worse is that I was told the venue/house is in jeopardy of being shutdown by Penn which means all future events are currently in limbo that also includes The Deli’s Best of Philly Showcase scheduled for next Saturday w/Reading Rainbow, Grandchildren and Levee Drivers. We are currently looking into an alternative venue just in case Penn decides to shut them down, but we are hoping for the best. I’ll keep you updated about Penn’s decision and the moving or rescheduling of The Deli’s Best of Philly Showcase. We know. This SUCKS! We’re totally bummed too. – Q.D. Tran

 

Portland

Live Review: Blunt Mechanic, And I Was Like What?, Lee Corey Oswald – April 8th at Berbati’s Pan

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Singer, guitarist and songwriter Ben Barnett has a new sound, a new band, and a new LP – World Record – coming out April 20th. I got a chance to check out his band, Blunt Mechanic, at Berbati’s Pan last Thursday, along with Portland groups And I Was Like What? and Lee Corey Oswald.

The crowd was sparse and the atmosphere quite dark, but that didn’t keep any of the bands from rocking out hard. The Oswald duo opened the show and reminded me once again how much I love listening to acoustic guitars and a sweet harmony. However, I have to admit that their harmonization was a little off live, and they at times sounded like they were trying to yell over each other. They got the crowd all warmed up and raring to go though, and once And I Was Like What? stepped on stage, the crowd was ready to groove to their Americana pop beats.

This all-bearded band really had their shit together and it’s hard to believe they are still unsigned. They sounded fantastic live, and I absolutely loved the band’s use of the electric violin.

By the time Blunt came on I was starting to feel the fatigue setting in, so I was hoping they were going to bring some mad energy to the stage. Lucky for me they did. The best was definitely saved for last in this case, and Blunt was just as much fun to watch as they were to listen to. Barnett is not new to the music scene; in fact, he released 10 albums with the band Kind of Like Spitting and works as the Music Director of Seattle’s School of Rock. All of his experience shows on stage, and his enthusiasm and passion pours over you like a banana split with a cherry on top.

All three bands have upcoming shows in the Northwest, so keep your eyes glued to The Deli and your ears tuned to your local radio stations.

– Deanna Uutela

Philadelphia

Casting Call for Free Energy’s “Bang Pop” Video!

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Did you see the “balloon video” and think “those Free Energy dudes look like fun guys – I’d love to be in one of their videos”? Well, you might have your chance! If you are available for shooting April 16 – 19, come down to Urban Outfitters (1627 Walnut St.) tomorrow Tuesday, April 13th from 5 – 7pm for your chance to be cast in Free Energy’s “Bang Pop” video. There are over 100 parts to be filled for the video. For casting, please bring a photo ID. If you are under 18 years old and want to be in the video, you must have a parent or guardian with you. Come dressed to impress, especially the ladies! – The Deli Staff

Chicago

Earth Day and The Giving Tree Band

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On Earth day (April 22nd) The Giving Tree Band, known as "Greenest band in the land," according to Mother Earth News, will put their previous two album on “Fire Sale” and donate 50% of the proceeds to Global Green USA. The band is also performing at University of Chicago’s Earth Day Festival on the 23rd. Here is how the fire sale will work, on the 22nd the albums Unified Folk Theory (2007) will sell for $4.99, and Great Possessions (2009) for $3.99, or both for $6.99 (51 tracks total) exclusively via the band’s website. Currently you can download two tracks for free from their site to hear what the band sounds like if you aren’t familiar with their down-home bluegrass sound.